About the projects

The Waterfront Seattle Program will transform Seattle’s central waterfront, capitalizing on the opportunity created by the removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the replacement of the Elliott Bay Seawall.

The program spans the waterfront from Pioneer Square to Belltown. It includes the rebuilt Elliott Bay Seawall, twenty acres of new and improved public space, improved connections between center city neighborhoods and Elliott Bay, critical utility infrastructure, and new Alaskan Way and Elliott Way surface streets to serve all modes of travel.

1. Railroad Way

A pedestrian gateway linking the waterfront to Pioneer Square and the stadiums. Railroad Way will encourage new circulation and activities throughout the year and on game days at CenturyLink Field and Safeco Field.

2. Main + Washington streets

Improvements to the streetscape in Pioneer Square between Alaskan Way and Occidental Avenue will make them a more pedestrian-friendly and accessible way to reach the waterfront.

3. Alaskan Way + Elliott Way

A rebuilt Alaskan Way and new Elliott Way will serve all modes of travel and provide clear and safe pedestrian crossings and signalized intersections.

4. Protected Bike Lane

A new two-way bike path located between the roadway and the promenade. This route will serve both commuters and families that want to enjoy the waterfront by bike.

5. Seawall Project

Already under construction, the new seawall will protect critical infrastructure and utilities while enhancing salmon and nearshore habitat.

6. Columbia Street

Improved sidewalks and transit corridor amenities will be added in place of the viaduct ramp to First Avenue.

7. Marion Street Bridge

A widened Marion Street pedestrian bridge between Alaskan Way and Western Avenue will better connect the large volume of travelers who commute via ferry from Colman Dock to downtown.

8. Promenade

A landscaped promenade will extend north-south along the waterfront from Pine Street to Pioneer Square, providing space for recreation, as well as landscaping that manages stormwater and showcases native plants.

9. Seneca Street

After the removal of the Seneca Street viaduct ramp to First Avenue, the Washington State Department of Transportation will make basic improvements to Seneca Street.

10. Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park will be redesigned to improve access, safety, and flexibility, while offering expansive views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The promenade nearby includes a play space for families.

11. Union Street

A first phase of Union Street, between Alaskan Way and Western Avenue, will improve safety and accessibility with a new elevator and staircase.

12. Pike Pine Renaissance: Act One

Pike Pine Renaissance: Act One will improve the pedestrian experience, connecting Pike and Pine streets to the waterfront, from Pike Place Market to Capitol Hill. Learn more about Act One of Pike Pine Renaissance here.

13. Pike Place Market's MarketFront

Pike Place Market is growing westward with the new “MarketFront,” a waterfront-facing expansion of the Market featuring more small businesses, farmers, senior housing, public art, and a new neighborhood center.

14. Overlook Walk

The Overlook Walk is a new, accessible connection between Pike Place Market and the waterfront. It takes pedestrians over the new Alaskan Way without crossing the street and includes seating, informal play areas and views.

15. Seattle Aquarium expansion

In keeping with its mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, the Seattle Aquarium will create new exhibition, education and event space, and feature three Pacific ecosystems: Tropical Pacific, Outer Coast, and Puget Sound.

16. Pier 62/63 + Floating Dock

The rebuilt Pier 62/63 will be a place to stroll, enjoy views, play, and once again host events like the "Summer Nights at the Pier" concert series. The improvements include a new floating dock for access to the water! Learn more about the Pier 62/63 Rebuild here.

17. Bell Street Park extension

An extension of the Bell Street Park corridor to include the blocks between First Avenue and Elliott Avenue, adding landscaping, lighting, and more open space.

18. Battery Street Portal Site

A future partner project led by Seattle Parks and Recreation, the redevelopment of the Battery Street site will create the opportunity for a park to serve the Belltown neighborhood.

Design Commission presentations

Regular updates to the Seattle Design Commission are a great way to view current design progress. Check out the most recent presentations below.

Foundational design plans

These foundational design and planning documents were shaped by years of design work and community involvement and remain the touchstone for the waterfront design.

Concept Design - July 2012

The Concept Design was released in July 2012 and developed design concepts for the initial core project area of Waterfront Seattle. It strives to create a dynamic and lively public realm at the water's edge, build an intelligent and efficient transportation corridor to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct, establish dynamic and robust ecologies along the water's edge, develop a lively program of activities and uses, and promote smart and suitable economic development in and around the central waterfront.